The Washington Commanders made a lot of high-profile splashes throughout general manager Adam Peters' second offseason at the helm. Everything from blockbuster trades, shrewd free-agent signings, and high-value draft picks took center stage. However, their biggest positive above all else went completely under the radar.
Dan Quinn's culture shift within the locker room spearheaded a phenomenal renaissance in Washington. The atmosphere was different immediately. A demoralized group of players became a close-knit unit, buying in completely and guiding each other through good times and bad. It was a far cry from the finger-pointing and media outbursts throughout Ron Rivera's woeful head-coaching tenure.
Make no mistake, this doesn't happen without Bobby Wagner either.
The veteran linebacker knew Quinn well from their time together on the Seattle Seahawks. His phenomenal accomplishments look destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. Wagner's on-field performance levels need no introduction, but his influence behind the scenes was equally impressive.
Commanders re-signing Bobby Wagner bolsters their chances considerably
Wagner set a new standard. He taught his teammates how to prepare effectively. He was always on hand to provide counsel, even developing a strong early relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The former second-round pick isn't the most vocal leader. However, when the time came to rally the troops in the face of adversity, he had no trouble doing so.
Many wondered if Wagner's time with the Commanders would be short-lived. Those in power moved swiftly to retain his services next season, giving the Utah State graduate a one-year, $9 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus and $8 million guaranteed. One cannot overstate how pivotal this is for Washington in its quest to maintain new, much higher standards.
The Commanders were right not to give Wagner anything more. He'll be 35 years old next season. Although his production remains high, gaining 132 tackles, securing Pro Bowl honors, and a second-team All-Pro selection, there's just no telling when Father Time will come calling. Keeping this as a year-to-year arrangement is the best scenario for all parties.
The Washington Commanders made a lot of high-profile splashes throughout general manager Adam Peters' second offseason at the helm. Everything from blockbuster trades, shrewd free-agent signings, and high-value draft picks took center stage. However, their biggest positive above all else went completely under the radar.
Dan Quinn's culture shift within the locker room spearheaded a phenomenal renaissance in Washington. The atmosphere was different immediately. A demoralized group of players became a close-knit unit, buying in completely and guiding each other through good times and bad. It was a far cry from the finger-pointing and media outbursts throughout Ron Rivera's woeful head-coaching tenure.
Make no mistake, this doesn't happen without Bobby Wagner either.
The veteran linebacker knew Quinn well from their time together on the Seattle Seahawks. His phenomenal accomplishments look destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. Wagner's on-field performance levels need no introduction, but his influence behind the scenes was equally impressive.
Commanders re-signing Bobby Wagner bolsters their chances considerably
Wagner set a new standard. He taught his teammates how to prepare effectively. He was always on hand to provide counsel, even developing a strong early relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The former second-round pick isn't the most vocal leader. However, when the time came to rally the troops in the face of adversity, he had no trouble doing so.
Many wondered if Wagner's time with the Commanders would be short-lived. Those in power moved swiftly to retain his services next season, giving the Utah State graduate a one-year, $9 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus and $8 million guaranteed. One cannot overstate how pivotal this is for Washington in its quest to maintain new, much higher standards.
The Commanders were right not to give Wagner anything more. He'll be 35 years old next season. Although his production remains high, gaining 132 tackles, securing Pro Bowl honors, and a second-team All-Pro selection, there's just no telling when Father Time will come calling. Keeping this as a year-to-year arrangement is the best scenario for all parties.
Wagner is an integral part of Washington's defensive strategy until further notice. Keeping him around was an important early domino for the Commanders. It went largely unnoticed compared to other moves, but that doesn't make his retention any less significant.
Things will be tougher for the Commanders in 2025. They have raised expectations, a harder schedule, and almost no routine from week to week. Having a revered veteran presence like Wagner is only going to help both on and off the field.
